Ptolus Nights (Inactive)

Game Master Lord Thasmudyan

Orsal you are fairly certain it is a wall of force and it is clearly cast by a high level caster.

"Well, this just went from being a fun little jaunt into something more serious," Kelwyn says as he draws his rapier. With a glance at Victoria, he adds, "Let's just hope that when the Knights of the Pale shut this place down they left the All-Key here, that we can find it, and get out relatively easily."

"Right then," Orsal says just loud enough to get everyone's attention. "That Wall of Force is a big ol' do not enter sign. We won't enter through here. However, I would bet a round of drinks that there's at least one other way in. Somewhere less obvious. Let's search the perimeter, then potentially check the walls and maybe neighboring sewers, right?"

You are already inside the courtyard, the wall of force is between the two gatehouses where there should be a door thus blocking your exit from the manor. You are effectively trapped inside Pythoness House not outside of it, just to clarify as I think I didn't make that clear.

"Hold your blades, fellas. Whoever magicked that wall could just as easily have turned us all inside out. I doubt they want to hurt us." Victoria extends her arms in a sign of non-violence and raises her voice. "We didn't come for a fight. We're just here to get laid and have some pleasant conversation. Not necessarily in that order."

Tony looks around wildly.
"Crap. Does anyone else hear that whispering?"

Oh! We're on the INSIDE of the Wall of Force?! Much different situation. DELETE THE PREVIOUS POST BY ORSAL...

"Right then," Orsal says just loud enough to get everyone's attention. "That is a big ol' Wall of Force, so we're not leaving the way we arrived. Anyone see any ways out of this courtyard?"

Orsal continues to scan the courtyard for other magic.

"There's a very musty and filthy room through that arch on the left, and it looks like the only way out of there is a staircase on the northwestern wall."

Do I have that right, Lord T?

Yep

Jesset's feline senses twich and flinch at the shadows moving at the edge of his vision.

Visible calming himself, he states "This place is already getting on my nerves. Well, there's no help for it..."

He paces up to Kelwyn, to look in upon the room he found. Drawing his falchion, he leads the way in, approaching the stairs.

Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

"Even more than that, it's the voice whispering 'Come to me' that's creeping me out." Tony whispered, following Jesset.
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Trying to ignore the whispers as best he can, Kelwyn returns to the next room, this time with Tony and Jesset.

Stealth: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19

Jesset

Kelwyn and Tony

Everyone else: Rolling Initiative for you
Initiative for Orsal Hort: Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Initiative for Jesset: Initiative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Initiative for Vaelus: Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Initiative for Tony: Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Initiative for Kelwyn: Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Initiative for Victoria: Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Initiative for Ratmen: Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Go ahead and give me combat actions as it stands half the party is in the damp room (Jesset, Kelwyn, Tony) the other half is in the courtyard still (Victoria, Vaelus, and Orsal). An aside I am going to try and figure away out to do some sort of map over the next few days for combat as well as exploration have not decided how I want to do it (got a few options, any ideas welcome) so we will play this combat with out a map.

The Harrow Elf's brow furrowed and his scowl deepened at the revelation that everyone was trapped inside the former-manor, but his face began to relax in confusion and curiosity as he noticed the voices. "What in the Hells...?"

Despite his best efforts, he wandered around the courtyard, though he made sure not to stray too far from the others. "Come to you, where? Where are you?" he answered into the emptiness around the same time Victoria tried to make nice. He wandered back to her and Orsal, puzzled.

I assume that whatever combat actions are happening, Vaelus is flat-footed and surprised. Given that, I'll probably wait to see what happens and post a response.

I'm ready to post, but I go absolutely last. The ratmen will have two rounds of actions before Orsal. Therefore, I'll wait to see what happens.

Surprise Round

Free Action Jesset shrugs out of his backpack allowing it to fall to the floor. As he does so , he call out and points "Ware...Ratmen above!"

Standard Action Jesset then runs across to the stairs and pounds up them, closing to melee range in a snarling fury.

Without his backpack, I think Jesset's move changes to 30ft, not sure; I'd don't have my herolab available...note to self, put this in profile.

Damn. I'm going to have to play it that Kelwyn doesn't have his bow or backpack with him. So, how far are the ratmen? How wide is the staircase? Enough room for two to fight in melee side by side?

Kelwyn follows Jesset's lead and runs after him, following close on his heels.

Surprise

Standard: Tony takes a snapshot at a ratman.
light crossbow attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 for a possible 1d8 ⇒ 2 piercing damage.

Free: Drops crossbow and pack.

Victoria retrieves a small vial from her waistcoat and downs the golden liquid within.

Retrieve bomber's eye extract and drink.

Surprise Round
Jesset, you warn the others, drop your pack and then run up to meet the ratmen on the ledge, when you get there you see two ratmen on the ledge and three more on the landing behind them one of the three is much bigger and stronger than the rest and stands toward the back. Kelwyn you follow Jesset up to the ledge but its only five feet across so it is a bottleneck both sides of the ledge, and as well see all the ratmen up here. This takes you entire round as it takes a double move to get to the stairs, up them and around to the ledge where two of the ratmen are.

Tony you shot one of the two ratmen on the ledge and he howls from the shot as you get him where you would expect his ribcage is and it goes quite deep. Then you drop your pack and crossbow.

Beginning of 1st Round
Victoria you hear Jesset mention there are ratmen inside and immediate drink a potion.

Need everyone else's first round actions

The elf chuckles, and then raises his voice enough to be heard by all in the courtyard, shouting at the walls. "Ratmen?? Ha!" He laughs derisively, "Come on then, rats. Let's see what sort of challenge you pose!"

To emphasize the seriousness of his challenge, the elf draws the katana from the black laquered scabbard on his hip with deadly purpose and stands his ground.

Kelwyn contemplates moving past Jesset and using his skill to try and get by some of the ratmen so he can engage them, but he holds his ground behind his Litorian friend.

Round 1

A growl curling his lips, Jesset surges forward at the nearest Ratman, falchion a glittering arc of steel....

Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Damage 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (1, 3) + 7 = 11

Round 1___________

Tony moves up to contact the rat-men, drawing his sword along the way.
If he can, he'll attack.
dueling sword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 for a possible 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 piercing, silver, magic damage.

So going over a couple of things here. First Vaelus you are outside in the courtyard the ratmen are inside the damp room and up on a ledge out of sight of you and thus the ability wouldn't even work against them unless they could see you. If you want to move into the room that would be better

Tony you could spend the round moving up to the ledge but as with Kelwyn you are going to be stuck behind Jesset as the ledge is only 5 ft wide and thus only one person per square. You might think about going with the ranged attacks for know as you have more likelihood of actually being able to do something. Let me know I will hold off on the ratmen actions for a bit longer till you and Vaelus decide if you want to change your actions.

Orsal go ahead an give me you action for the round

Ok, sorry I didn't realize. In that case, I will amend my round to do my move first: to combine my sword-drawing with a move to move into the damp room and try to get in sight of as many of these guys as I can see and then to use my standard.

DM, the ratmen go before Orsal in Round 1, so package Orsal in the PC's Round 2 actions. Such is the fate of low initiative. Any hope of getting a map? Even a google spreadsheet would be good. Are there any players with map skills? Unfortunately, I don't. Cheers!

I will have it up this evening don't have access from work to google docs, and please go ahead and declare you round one action now so I can resolve the combat for round one, then we will move on to the next round

Orsal moves up to the doorway from the courtyard into the damp room to see wants going on. He readies his whip.

Swift action to activate Arcane Strike
Move action to doorway
Ready action to attack a bad guy within 15-ft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
if hit, nonlethal damage: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
if hit, free action to demoralize vs. DC 10+HD+Wis bonus: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

What are the ratmen sporting in terms of armor and weapons?

Swearing at the clogging of the way to the enemy, Tony moves back (sheathing his sword) and snatches up his crossbow again. He reloads.
Aside from getting ready to shoot, he also tries to spot a way around to flank or get behind the rat-men using Climb or Acrobatics.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

map

Here is the map as of the area. Tony wasn't sure if you were staying where you originally were or if you were going to be up on the landing behind everyone let me know

Orsal moved to N11.

Since there's no room to approach, Tony will stay where he is and shoot next round.

I'm fine with my position.

The ratman you stand in front of you realize he is in danager and lashes out at you Jesset. First swing his small sized long sword and hitting and then trying to bite you which he fails to do.

Ratman 1, Sword attack roll against Jesset: Sword Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Ratman 1, Bite attack roll against Jesset: Bite Attack: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (6) - 3 = 3

Sword damage for Jesset: Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Ratman 2, 3 4, throw powder bombs, they land in k19 (in front of Tony) and 2 on i22 next to both Kelwyn and Jesset.

Thrown bomb attack against Tony Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Thrown bomb #1 attack against Jesset and Kelwyn Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Thrown bomb #2 attack against Jesset and Kelwyn Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Thrown powder bomb damage Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

Jesset and Kelwyn the bombs that land beside you was apparently a duds and never goes off just fizzle. Tony, your bomb goes off right in front of you but apparently was not packed with enough black powder as the explosion is quite minor and causes little damage (-3 hp).

The Big Ratman pushes past R3 and jumps down to the room below with his great sword over his head.
Jump check Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
and lands heavily 10 feet in front of Tony but is unable to further move this round.

posting revised map in a few minutes from my phone, Post Round 2 Actions please.

Kelwyn draws a dagger and throws it at boss rat.

Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Round 2___________

Tony ducks back from the powder bomb, and almost avoids all the damage.
When he blinks his eyes clear, the big ratman drops in front of him.
Surprised, he fires his crossbow at him.

light crossbow attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 for a possible 1d8 ⇒ 1 piercing damage.

He drops the crossbow, draws his sword and sweeps his cape into his left hand.

Orsal moves into the center of the room and cracks his whip. "Get'm matey's! Cut them down like the rats they are."

Move action to K15
Standard action to inspire courage, round 1

Victoria strides forward, reaching into her vest and waistcoat to remove several vials and pouches of powder. She pours them quickly into an empty flask as she steps forward, bottling the glass with a small cork. She eyes the three targets, gives the flask a few vigorous shakes, and lobs it forward.

Move 30 feet to L11.

Target R1
Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 (-2 range, +1 bomber's eye, +1 bardic performance)
Damage 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 = 4 fire damage

Note: Creatures that take a direct hit from an explosive bomb catch fire, taking 1d6 points of fire damage each round until the fire is extinguished. Extinguishing the flames is a full-round action that requires a Reflex save. Rolling on the ground provides the target with a +2 to the save. Dousing the target with at least 2 gallons of water automatically extinguishes the flames.

6 fire splash damage on R2 and J. Reflex DC 16 for half damage.

Use Precise Bombs to exclude K and BR.

Seeing the large ratman drop down within easy reach, and inspired by Orsal's predisposition towards violence, Vaelus moves to assist Tony and brings his blade to bear on the large rat-thing.

Round 2

Jesset is pulling his falchion back to strike at the ratman before him, when Victoria's bomb erupts before him. Flattening himself against the wall, he tries to avoid the curtain of flame that comes towards him.

Reflex Save 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

Jesset roars as the flame licks across his arms, singeing fur. Growling under his breath, "I'll have to have a talk with that girl when this is over."

Holding his double fury at being pinked by the hated ratman and the sight of tendril of smoke drifting up from his forearms, Jesset pauses a moment to see if the ratman in front of him is immolated or not.

Delay until condition of ratman 1 is determined,
If still alive, attack him.
If dead, 5 foot move, attack ratman 2

Attack 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 1 = 26
Damage 2d4 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3) + 7 + 1 = 14

Victoria you hit the Ratman in front of Jesset, and in the process catches fire.
The Ratman beside him tries to dodge
R2 Reflex save Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Fails and nearly perishes in the process.

Tony tries to shoot the big ratman in front of him but his bolt goes wide and misses. Vaelus moves up and attempts an attack with his katana but misses as well. Kelwyn throws his dagger at the big ratman and misses too.

Ratman 1 tries to put himself out on his turn and fails before dying.
R1 Save vs Victoria explosive flask Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
R1 damage from remaining on fire Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Jesset steps up and attacks R2 and Kills him in one hit.

R3 steps up and attacks Jesset with a bite and sword attack.
Ratman 3, Sword attack roll against Jesset: Sword Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Ratman 3, Bite attack roll against Jesset: Bite Attack: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (2) - 3 = -1
He fails in both attacks.

R4 attacks with his bomb throwing down at J18
Thrown bomb attack against Jesset and Kelwyn Bomb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
The bomb fails to go off and rolls off the ledge.

The big rat attacks Tony with his greatsword.
Big Rat greatsword attack #1 Attack #1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Big Rat greatsword attack #2 Attack #2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
It misses on the first attack but hits on the second one.
Big Rat greatsword damage Damage: 3d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 2, 3) + 7 = 18

Orsal, your Round Two action, and everyone else declare your Round Three actions

Kelwyn jumps off the stairs and moves directly behind boss rat opposite from Tony to K22 while thrusting with his rapier.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 if needed
Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 + 2 = 18 Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6
Sneak Damage Sneak Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

Round 3___________

Tony grins when he parried the big ratman's blade, then stops when the second just powers through his defenses and does shocking damage.

Move: Flipping his cape around at the ratman, he Improved Feints. My Bluff vs his Sense Motive; if I win I get to attack his Flat Footed AC.
Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Standard:
duelling sword attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 for a possible 1d8 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (6, 2) = 15 magic, silver, piercing, sneak attack damage.

I assume Defensive fighting stance, AC is now 22.

Round 2

Orsal puts Tony between himself and the big rat and whips the big rat. "Atọgbọ, ratman, na i nwere ike ibi."

Free action to maintain Imspire Courage, round 2
Swift action to activate Arcane Strike
Move action to 5-ft to K14
attack BR with whip: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 = 24
if hit, nonlethal damage: 1d4 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 9
if hit, free action to demoralize vs. DC 10+HD+Wis bonus: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

A scowl spreads across Victoria's face as she watches the ratmen burn in a conflagration of fear and pain. "See? See what you make me do to you?" She prepares another vial of combustible liquid, striding forward several steps before hurling it.

Move 15 feet south to L14.

Target R3
Attack 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 (+1 bomber's eye, +1 bardic performance)
Damage 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9 fire damage

Note: Creatures that take a direct hit from an explosive bomb catch fire, taking 1d6 points of fire damage each round until the fire is extinguished. Extinguishing the flames is a full-round action that requires a Reflex save. Rolling on the ground provides the target with a +2 to the save. Dousing the target with at least 2 gallons of water automatically extinguishes the flames.

6 fire splash damage on R4. Reflex DC 16 for half damage.

Use Precise Bombs to exclude J, K, and BR.

Clearly misjudging the large ratman, Vaelus keeps his katana's momentum going with a flourish and a step as he spins it twice and strikes at the creature again.

Round 3

Jesset instinctively raises his hand as Victoria's bomb ignites at the feet of the two ratmen. With relief he discoveres that he is not subject to it's fiery pain, and so launches an attack on the next ratman in line.

Attack 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30 Crit threat!
Crit Confirm 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 30 Confirmed, I think

Damage 2d4 + 7 + 1 + 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (1, 4) + 7 + 1 + (4, 2) + 7 = 26

End of Round 2
Orsal you are able to whip the Big Rat and a large welt forms on his arm where you hit him, however you attempts to demoralize him fails though.

Round 3
Victoria you hit the Ratman again in front of Jesset, the explosion send rat guts flying in all directions including on poor Jesset. The nearby ratman (r4) dodges out of the way mostly and takes minimal damage.
Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Tony, you fool the Big Rat with the waving of your cape and follow it up with a mighty stab, he does not seem to happy about being fooled in such a way.

Vaelus you try to follow Tony's example and fail to hit the Ratman again.

Kelwyn you launch yourself off the ledge and land fine behind the big ratman and stab him deeply as well with your rapier. He grunts as if he does not like being pricked from behind.

Jesset you step up to the last ratman on the ledge and slice and dice the final ratman into a pile of ratty goo at your feet.

The big rat turns his gaze on Kelwyn and tries to slash at him with his big sword twice.

Big Rat greatsword attack #1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Big Rat greatsword attack #2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

And apparently is so mad at being hit he totally misses you on both attempts.

Orsal your Round 3 action, Everyone else Round 4 actions. Map has been updated with current locations